Source: The National Herald
Originally published on February 22, 2025
BOSTON – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has proceeded with the recomposition of the Holy Synod of the Phanar for its next six-month period, from March 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025.
From the Archdiocese of America, the newly elected Metropolitan of Atlanta, Sevastianos, will participate in this Synodal period.
The Holy Synod consists of twelve members, following the model of Christ’s disciples, and convenes once a month at the Phanar under the presidency of Patriarch Bartholomew, who determines the agenda. The duration of the meetings depends on the topics to be discussed, sometimes lasting up to three days. The Synod also includes Archimandrite Bosporios Magafas as the Grand Chancellor and Deacon Oikoumenios Amanatidis as the Undersecretary.
According to the theological and ecclesiological traditions of the Orthodox Church, the Holy Synod is considered ‘the voice’ of the Church, where each hierarch-member brings the life and consensus of their local Church to the Holy Body of the Synod.
However, due to historical and political circumstances, including the destruction of the Metropolises of Asia Minor by the Turks, the Synod also includes hierarchs who do not shepherd active Metropolises but hold honorary titles of once-prominent Metropolises.
As far as The National Herald knows, the Holy Synod of the Phanar functions approximately as follows: The agenda is determined by the Patriarch as its President, who has the responsibility and discretion to conduct the sessions. The Synod members are not informed in advance about the topics; they receive the agenda on the first day of the meetings, provided their attendance is confirmed by the Chief Secretary.
The Chief Secretary begins by reading a topic for discussion, such as a letter from a hierarch of an ecclesiastical eparchy of the Ecumenical Throne concerning an issue within their Metropolis or Archdiocese. The Patriarch leads the discussion, and decisions are made accordingly – either immediately, or in a subsequent Synod, or referred to a committee for evaluation. However, committee opinions are not binding on the Synod and, in many cases, are not even considered, as seen in the case of the transfer of the dependencies of the Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou of Astoria to the Archdiocese of America, despite the committee’s opposing recommendation.
Notably, before the Synodal session begins, the hierarchs approach in groups of three or more and kiss the Patriarch’s right hand as a sign of reverence.
When electing an Archbishop, Metropolitan, or Bishop, the Patriarch subtly prepares the Synod members in advance. He then praises the candidate, signaling his preference. The Synodal hierarchs then proceed to the Patriarchal Church of St. George, where they conduct a secret ballot election.
It is well known that Patriarch Bartholomew does not prevent any Synod member from speaking freely, even multiple times. However, all members remain mindful of ‘The First’, meaning the Patriarch, who holds the first and last word in all matters. This also applies to hierarchs he wishes to remove, such as the former Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, who was elected to the Metropolis of Sardis, or former Metropolitan Athenagoras (Anestis) of Mexico, who was elected to the Metropolis of Byzia.
In conclusion, according to The National Herald’s sources from the Phanar, the Holy Synod for this period will be composed of the following hierarchs:
Makarios of Gortyna and Arcadia, Andreas of Arkalochori, Athenagoras of Belgium, Paisios of Leros, Damaskinos of Kydonia and Apokoronos, Sevastianos of Atlanta, Athenagoras of Kydonies, Maximos of Silivria, Makarios of Australia, Maximos of Switzerland, Iakovos of Ireland , Iakovos of Mexico.